This week on Regional Roundup, we hear about the potential for geothermal energy in the Rocky Mountain West. A sociologist who studies gangs dispels the myths around immigration and gang violence. And we hear from some young mushers at a recent dog sled tournament.

Today on the weekly News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Moab Times-Independent, about Grand County’s plan to acquire a federal pipeline that currently brings water from the Green River to the UMTRA tailings disposal site in Crescent Junction. The repurposed pipeline could eventually bring water to Grand County residents in Thompson Springs. We also discuss the results of the city’s flood mitigation study, which was required for the city to receive federal funding to pay for repairs. And we finish up with a profile of a Green River resident who takes care of the town’s booming feral cat population.

- Show Notes -

• Utah lawmakers back federal pipeline transfer to Grand County water district

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/utah-lawmakers-back-federal-pipeline-transfer-to-grand-county-water-district/

• Moab flood study yields a host of potential solutions

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-flood-study-yields-a-host-of-potential-solutions/

• One woman’s mission to help Green River’s feral cats

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/one-womans-mission-to-help-green-rivers-feral-cats/

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, high school and middle school students will participate in the annual Youth Voices Speak Out event to educate kids and parents about mental health resources in the community. Students can submit songs, videos, essays, or posters that focus on mental health challenges. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best entries. Submissions are due Feb. 7. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Grand County High School auditorium.

- Show Notes -

• Youth Voices Speak Out

https://www.grandschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1653110&type=d&pREC_ID=2548789

This week on Regional Roundup, we cover gun legislation in Colorado and Wyoming, discuss wildfire preparedness in the arid West, visit a snow plane rally in Idaho, and explore an artists' residency in southeastern Utah.

Today on the weekly news reel, we speak with Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about possible repercussions for a motorized hang glider who spooked a group of horses during a horseback riding tour near Fisher Towers this fall. We also discuss a group that provides free vision testing and glasses to Moab residents. Plus, a story about new volunteer board members on the Travel Council Advisory Board and the Grand County Planning Commission.

- Show Notes -

Several riders thrown from horses near Fisher Towers

• https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/it-was-the-most-terrifying-experience-of-my-life/

Hope Alliance provides free vision care to over 140 Moabites from underserved communities

• https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/hope-alliance-provides-free-vision-care-to-over-140-moabites-from-underserved-communities/

Grand County Commission appoints volunteer board members amid debate

• https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-commission-appoints-volunteer-board-members-amid-debate/

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear voices from People's Marches across the region in protest of President Donald Trumps stance on social justice issues such as reproductive rights and immigration. We also hear about a coalition of labor unions calling for a renewed focus on clean energy jobs. Plus, we have a story about the Indy Pass, a cheaper ski pass that offers access to independent and smaller ski resorts around the Rocky Mountain West.

Today on the weekly News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times Independent, about a loss of funding for the BEACON Afterschool Program. We also talk about the latest statewide report on drug overdose deaths, which found the rate of overdose deaths in Grand County were twice the state’s average. And we finish with an update from the airport about restored air service to Denver.

- Show Notes -

• BEACON Afterschool Program faces financial growing pains

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/beacon-afterschool-program-faces-financial-growing-pains/

• Grand County drug overdose deaths roughly double in five years

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-drug-overdose-deaths-roughly-double-in-five-years/

• Canyonlands airport to have daily Denver flights starting April 1

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/canyonlands-airport-to-have-daily-denver-flights-starting-april-1/

Today, we hear from KUER about Moab's disappearing farmland. As Utah's population expands, so does demand for housing and water. In Grand County, where property prices are nearly seven times what they were 20 years ago, much of the agricultural land - and its water rights - is changing hands to developers. Where does that water go now? Plus, we hear from KJZZ about the new nominee for Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, who will oversee the nation's natural resources and federal land managers.

This week on Regional Roundup, we explore efforts to rename sections of a Colorado highway in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We also hear from one Utah academic who draws parallels between the state's elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and historical resistance to racial integration at public swimming pools. Finally, we examine how communities across the Rocky Mountain West are collaborating to manage wildfire risks.

On Saturday, the Moab Abortion and Reproductive Rights Network hosted a local People's March in solidarity with the national movement. Participants gathered to protest the Trump administration's stance on reproductive rights as Utah's near-total ban on abortion still hangs in limbo in state court.

- Show Notes -

• Photo: About 75 people joined Moab's People's March on Saturday to advocate for greater reproductive rights. Photo by Andrew Christiansen / Moab Times-Independent

• MARRN

https://www.facebook.com/groups/marrn/